The Wheels of Dreams Charity Experience shatters its fundraising record, proving the power of a community that shows up
By Heather Shoning
WHEN THE FINAL NUMBERS were tallied after the sixth annual Wheels of Dreams Charity Experience, even those familiar with the event were stunned.
The September event raised more than $260,000 for FullCircle, a local nonprofit helping young people struggling with mental health and addiction issues and supporting their families. That’s more than $100,000 above the approximately $151,000 raised at the 2025 event—a remarkable year-overyear increase fueled by sponsors and guests who turned an already generous evening into a record-setting one.
Held September 17 at the Franciscan Event Center, Wheels of Dreams brought together the elements that have made the annual AvidLifestyle and Colorado AvidGolfer event a standout: spectacular cars, food and cocktails, live entertainment, art, and plenty of reasons to linger. But this year, virtually everything felt dialed up.
More than 36 exotic, classic, and luxury vehicles from private collections and elite dealers created an automotive display valued at nearly $12 million. Restaurant-sponsored stations served gourmet bites and globally inspired flavors, while wine, beer, and handcrafted cocktails flowed throughout the evening. Guests could settle into lounges furnished by Howard Lorton Furniture & Design and Lehrer Fireplace and Patio, explore interactive experiences, bid in silent and live auctions, and take a chance on the Champagne Diamond Giveaway.
Then there was the music. Gayle Mace Jazz provided outdoor entertainment, while Denver favorite That Eighties Band brought its high-energy show to the main stage, turning the evening into a celebration in every sense of the word.
Yet the biggest moment of the night wasn’t parked on four wheels or happening onstage. It was the giving.
Longtime supporters once again formed the backbone of the event, led by Title Sponsor Central Bank and Presenting Sponsors Howard Lorton Furniture & Design and Closet Factory. Their continued commitment, combined with contributions from additional sponsors, donors, and guests, helped push Wheels of Dreams into entirely new fundraising territory.
That spirit of giving was particularly evident during the paddle raise. A foundation connected to FullCircle parent team lead Amber Walter offered a $30,000 matching gift—and guests didn’t simply meet the challenge. They exceeded it.
For Walter, the mission is personal. Her son has participated in FullCircle and is now two years sober, giving her firsthand insight into what access to the organization’s community and support can mean for a young person and an entire family.
“When I look at the support created by the fundraiser, I don’t just see a number,” Walter says. “I see more young people like Sam who are getting a chance at a different life. I see more families finding support and people who understand them and can lift them up. I see more families with a path toward hope.”
FullCircle operates five locations and provides a community centered on helping young people and families navigate mental health and addiction challenges. The organization describes its work as rooted in healing, hope, and the power of people coming together to rebuild lives. This year, Wheels of Dreams demonstrated just how powerful that collective commitment can become.“
The success of Wheels of Dreams helps ensure that cost does not become a barrier to a family seeking help and gives FullCircle the resources to continue meeting young people where they are, supporting families, and building a strong recovery community,” says Cassidy Panella, FullCircle’s head of administration and operations.
The numbers also put Wheels of Dreams’ growth into perspective. Before this year’s event, its first five years had generated more than $489,000 for local children’s charities, with the funds remaining in the local community.
“When we started Wheels of Dreams, we hoped to create an event that would make a real difference in our community,” says Allen Walters, President and publisher of AvidLifestyle and Colorado AvidGolfer. “To see how much we’ve raised for FullCircle and other local charities over the years is something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s a testament to the generosity of our sponsors, partners, and guests, who continue to show up and support this event year after year.” Adding more than $260,000 in a single night represents an extraordinary next chapter.
“Central Bank has supported Wheels of Dreams for a long time, and it’s rewarding to see the event continue to grow,” says Baxter Fain, CEO and president of Central Bank Colorado. “What matters most is what those dollars make possible for FullCircle and the people they serve. Seeing that level of support year after year says a lot about the community behind it.”
Wheels of Dreams has always paired an exceptional evening with a reason for gathering. In 2026, sponsors and guests proved that the most impressive thing in the room wasn’t a multimillion-dollar collection of cars. It was what people were willing to give.
Learn more about FullCircle at fullcircleprogram.com.
